The City of Stuttgart does have a vicious dog ordinance, but the current total of vicious dogs that are registered with Stuttgart Animal Control is only 11. The Staffordshire bull terrier, American pit bull, American Staffordshire terriers and any breed of dog mixed or that has characteristics of these breeds is written into the ordinance to be assumed as dangerous breeds.

Steven Cupples, Stuttgart Animal Control officer, said he also follows the ordinance where it reads that any dog that bites or attempts to bite will be considered a dangerous breed. With the recent Stuttgart City Council discussions, along with advising residents on the issue, Cupples wanted to remind Stuttgart citizens of the rules and regulations surrounding dangerous dogs that was passed Dec. 21, 2004.

Any dangerous dog will have to adhere to leash and muzzle requirements. Those include any dog deemed dangerous — or the breeds listed — to be only allowed out if it securely leashed with a leash no longer than four feet that is constructed of heavy material or heavy braiding. The person has to be able to physically maintain the dog. These certain breeds cannot be chained to any inanimate object such as trees, posts or buildings. In addition the dog must be muzzled to prevent the dog from biting people or other animals.

As far as confinement, all of the dangerous breeds or dogs must be securely confined indoors or in a locked pen or kennel outside.

According to the ordinance, “Such pen, kennel or structure must have secure sides and a secure top attached to the sides. All structures used to confine registered dangerous breed dogs must be locked with a key or combination lock when such animals are within the structure. Such structure must have a secure bottom or floor attached to the sides of the pen or the sides of the pen must be in the ground no less than two feet...all structures must be adequately lighted and kept in a clean sanitary condition. The pens must be constructed of chain link or equivalent material. The pens cannot be welded wire.”

The animal cannot be kept in a porch or a home with windows open. All owners will place a sign that tells the public “Beware of Dog” that is visible from the street and alley.

The permits are one of the most important aspects, Cupples explained, because it allows the city to have information on the animal. To acquire a permit the owner or keeper must provide a photo, the animal’s shot record, rabies vaccination, city license, address along with where the dog will be kept, the owner’s name and photo identification.

Permits are $25 and can be obtained at Stuttgart City Hall. They must be kept with the owner or whoever has the dog out in public, because if approached by the animal control officer the owner, keeper must be able to provide the permit. If not, the dog can be impounded and a citation can be issued.

Page 2 of 2 - No one under 18 or lacking the physical strength to control the animal may have the dog out in any public area.

Also, no dangerous breed can be used for breeding purposes inside the city limits. They must all be spayed or neutered with a certification of such procedure provided to the animal control officer.